Geothermal Heating for the future

In the St. James area, St. James Electric has already installed 65 separate systems. It was St. James Electric who arranged an informative event for members of the public interested in learning more about geothermal heating and cooling at the Watonwan County Library in St. James on April 1.

Geothermal heating and cooling is an alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems and is trending in popularity among individuals looking to save money in monthly heating bills or looking to reduce their carbon footprint and live in a more “green” way.

In the St. James area, St. James Electric has already installed 65 separate systems. It was St. James Electric who arranged an informative event for members of the public interested in learning more about geothermal heating and cooling at the Watonwan County Library in St. James on April 1.

Geothermal technology utilizes the constant temperature of the soil as a source of heat and cooling in ones home or business through the use of a system of tubes buried into he ground. Those tubes then transport water that is either warmer or cooler than the ambient air temperature to the technological inside. Then it is used to either heat or cool ones home or business effectively and efficiently.

Geothermal technology allows you to maintain a steady temperature in your home all year round, with a limited heating bill – offering significant savings from other more traditional styles of heating and cooling.

The only real negative of geothermal heating or cooling, according to Dale Halgren, a representative of Terra-Therm Inc., is the initial cost of the project. The system will reportedly pay for itself within six years of installation with energy savings. It is also rated the more environmentally-friendly type of heating/cooling there is available.

More than 20 percent of rural homes have geothermal heating and cooling systems these days, and a geothermal system can add value to a home upon resale.

There are also a tax credit program available for anyone interested in geothermal heating and cooling. Give Mike Kulseth at St. James Electric a call at 375-5235 to set up a consultation and see if geothermal cooling/heating is right for you today.